Travel and vacation can have an unpredictable impact on your blood pressure. For example, stomach acid can trigger an elevated reading. Travel-related stress, sleeping issues, anxiety, and feeling jet-lagged are all significant risk factors. Air travel and long periods in bed increase the risk of blood pressure dips, especially in people with pre-existing conditions.
Most people take their prescription medications on vacation, but traveling can cause them to stay with you longer than usual. To keep your blood pressure on target, follow the instructions in your doctor’s prescribing medication list. If you are traveling by yourself, consider asking your doctor about ordering a dip test on your home office computer. A dip test can be arranged online, and all you need is your finger to prick. It’s called a lateral flow test to reduce the chances that the blood pressure monitor you’re using may be off. It looks at blood pressure going backwards.
To get started,
First, locate the readings you wish to monitor (same-day reading, on or off, ease or strain), then download the management prescription form into your computer.
Pick the profile you wish to monitor.
Once you’ve finished the downloading process, open the management prescription package to view your blood pressure reading.
Choose the day or events you’d like to monitor.
If there is a stop on your trip, select that as well.
Insert your finger into a thin, sterile container (each test will take two to three minutes.)
Place your index finger into the container at the point where the artery near your heel meets your skin. Place your first toe on the container and prick your finger.
When the first drop shows through, hold your finger in place and slowly press down for two to three minutes.
After the first drop, repeat.
When the second drop comes through, invert your palm to the side and press down while applying pressure on your finger to wait for a third drop.
On your first sitting down after taking a lateral flow test, check your blood pressure by pointing your finger down at the end of your thumb.
Next, take a first reading.
When the first drop shows through, hold your finger in place and slowly press down for two to three minutes.
Continue on the same schedule.
Hold your finger in place and press down for two to three minutes, and repeat.
When the third drop shows through, flip your palm over to the side.
Finish the session.
That’s all you need to know. Low readings in the day will be taken at 6:30 a.m. and no pressure to the needle is involved in the evening when your blood pressure is low. Flat readings are taken in the morning and should be recorded and noted accurately. Always leave your finger in the dip test container until you are ready to take a next reading. Don’t read the first reading on your monitor.
